In Spring 2025, the Labirinto della Masone in Fontanellato (Parma), Italy, presents an innovative exhibition titled Da Serafini a Luigi: L’uovo, lo scheletro, l’arcobaleno. Curated by the Franco Maria Ricci Foundation alongside the renowned artist Luigi Serafini, this exhibition promises a remarkable journey into the artist’s unique vision and career.
This exhibition marks the milestone of the tenth anniversary of the Labirinto della Masone, which was founded by Franco Maria Ricci. It seeks to reconnect audiences with Serafini’s artistic roots, beginning with the publication of his seminal work, Codex Seraphinianus, by Ricci in 1981.
Da Serafini a Luigi will explore a tripartite timeline delineating three distinct phases of Serafini’s career: pre-Codex, Codex, and post-Codex. This structured approach reflects a chronology that Serafini himself has embraced, allowing visitors to experience the evolution of his artistic expression, from the fantastical name “Serafini” to the more personal identity of “Luigi.”
Pre-Codex Era: A focus on Serafini’s early influences will introduce visitors to the “prehistory” of his work. This section will include his first completed piece showcasing his family home in Pedaso, Italy, and documentation of his deep-rooted connection to this locale. Codex Era: Central to the exhibition is an immersive display of the Codex Seraphinianus, a meticulously crafted encyclopedia of an imaginary world conveyed in an incomprehensible language. This section has garnered interest from cultural figures such as Italo Calvino, Federico Fellini, and Tim Burton. Post-Codex Works: The exhibition will also feature a collection of Serafini’s works created after the publication of the Codex, showcasing his continuous creativity without strictly segmenting these pieces into defined periods.
The exhibition promises to be an enchanting experience, guiding visitors through the surreal landscapes of Serafini’s imagination, peppered with humor, visual surprises, and intellectual invitations to explore. It will culminate in the chance to step into Serafini’s Roman residence, the Domus Seraphiniana, which is currently under threat of disappearance.
The exhibit will feature a comprehensive catalog published by Franco Maria Ricci. It will be open to visitors daily, except Tuesdays, from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM until March 30, 2025, and from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM thereafter, with the last entry half an hour before closing. Admission is included in the Labirinto della Masone ticket, which also grants access to the bamboo labyrinth and the permanent collection.
The exhibition Da Serafini a Luigi: L’uovo, lo scheletro, l’arcobaleno is an unmissable opportunity to discover or rediscover the astonishing artistry of Luigi Serafini.
Photo credits: The photographs are from the institution’s archive.
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